2006 WCA News Archive

Wisconsin Cheese Makes for Festive Chow!

This recipe comes pre-approved by a test crowd of cyclists:

Pistachio Feta Crostini

1 cup Wisconsin Feta Cheese with peppercorns (or add 1tsp. cracked pepper to feta)
8 oz. Wisconsin Cream Cheese
1/3 c. pistachio nuts, chopped
1 loaf French bread slices
1/3 c. extra virgin olive oil

Combine Feta and cream cheese and nuts; mix well. Set aside. Brush both sides of bread or chips with olive oil. Preheat broiler and place oven rack at least 4 inches below heating element. Broil slices until lightly browned on both sides (turning once). Spread with cheese mixture.

Former WCA Rider Sends Greetings from Chile

Hidy ho der up nort! Como estas? That was the message this WCA editor got the other day via email. The message was from former One Percent More rider Mark Knowles who lit out for South America two years ago and has been busy since with his travel company, Alpaca Ciclismo.

Mark’s message was cheery, and clearly he and his partner Chelsea are enjoying their life down under. According to Mark: “Our season is as ripe as the cherries down here! We have had a couple of small tours, some very big track racing, and the mountain/road racing is revving up this month. The weather is outstanding, not to rub it in.” Check out their company at:www.alpacaciclismo.com.

Chelsea, sporting her old Stone Creek Coffee kit rides by the locals

Mark Knowles Pedals Adventures in South America

WCA Dinner Review - The Return of the Schwag Toss

A slide show of the year in racing greeted riders to the WCA awards dinner on Saturday, November 11 at the Milwaukee Athletic Club. Thanks, Larry Kilduff (IS Corp) for hosting us at the club.

First off, there are thanks in order for the work of John Grisa for pulling together the slide show. John tapped many WCA resources to collect the photos, including the following:

Gary Smits - http://xtrphoto.com
Becky Brandt - www.brandtphotography.fotki.com
Micheal Kienitz - www.michaelkienitz.com
Laurie Alvarez - www.artistic_eye.eventpictures.com
Elvis Kennedy - www.elviskennedy.com

Our thanks to John for his work in including every WCA team in the slide show. The Cake Competition was tough, as expected. As you'll recall, the competition was between Kristin Wentworth (IS Corp) and Rebecca Anderson (Am. Dairyland). A late entry from Barb Hamill put pressure on the first two competitors. In the end, Anderson confessed that she cheated and bought a Black Forest cake from a Russian baker in Madison. That left two contenders. The voting (completely unofficial) is split; it's a tie between Barb Hamill and Kristin Wentworth. Thanks to those two for dessert!

The night kicked off with the return of the fabled "schwag toss." The Toss is in part a tribute to our many supporters who provide door prizes at the dinner. They include Phil Godkin and Trialtir, Wheel & Sprocket, Jelly Belly, and Planet Bike. We have so many door prizes that in the end, tossing them into the crowd is more efficient than pulling tickets. Just to change things up, we started the night with the Toss. Volunteers were chosen and little jelly belly key chains and sample packs went a flying. Luckily, no rider or chandelier was hurt. As always, thank you, sponsors, for making the door prizes possible. Oh, and Jerry Pierce (a former WCA president himself) finally won a doorprize. Seems like he's been shut out for 12 years...but the drought has ended. Jerry, your luck has changed.

Aside from handing out the silver traveling trophies, we also recognized the winners of the Endeavour Triple Crown. Out of 750 WCA riders, only Casey Masterson and Kristin Wentworth managed to collect on the challenge put forth by Randy Roth (Endeavour).

The awards were given, photos were taken, and the a tribute to Aaron Bieberitz, a Sheboygan PCW rider who died during a superweek race was made. A four year (I've lost track) tradition of Todd Miller getting the silver cup ended when David Kay took home the WCA Pro 1/2 trophy. Amy Miller (Todd's wife) has long been handing out the trophies and for the first time in recent memory, didn't smooch the winner when handing over that trophy.

Speaking of trophies, this is an appropriate place to mention Billy Jones of Pilgrim/WCJ Wire (Endeavour). Billy used his inside connections (his mom?) to get some amazing trophies for WCA and underwrote them himself. Thanks, Billy. We missed you that night but the trophies were wonderful and thanks for helping us recognize the efforts of WCA riders in accomplishing their goals.

Nick Reistad, a homegrown pro now riding for Jelly Belly, entertained the group with a polished speech on his first year with the Jelly Belly team. He alternated between serious and humorous, and in the end left the group with an impression of just how much hard work and clearly, a love for the sport, allowed him to step onto the national stage. We'll see plenty more from Nick in the future and our thanks to him for giving such a positive message to our riders, young and master alike.

Lastly, thanks to some shameless self-promotion of the WCA President, birthday wine and cake was presented to a certain rider (who happens to be the president). Ah yes, a good night indeed.

The annual meeting and Cyclocross dinner is slated for the first Sunday in February. Watch the website for news.

Thanks, everyone, for all you do to make Wisconsin cycling the best in the country. That includes your cooperation, patience, fabulous sportsmanship, and kindness to one another. May 2007 be even better and safe for you all.

State CX Championships to Include Food Drive

November 11, 2006

The Capitol Velo Club in cooperation with the Brazen Dropouts will be hosting a food drive as part of the Wisconsin State Cyclocross Championships at Angell Park Speedway on Sunday, November 19. This event will benefit the Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin.

Everyone who makes a donation will be entered into a drawing for prizes from sponsors such as A Stone's Throw, Simplenet, Sponsor House and more. Prizes will include premium athlete accounts at SponsorHouse.com, a year's web hosting form Simplenet and great outdoor clothing from A Stone's Throw.

Food items that are most needed include meals in a box, canned fruit, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, dry pasta, pasta sauce, beans, rice and crackers. Cash donations will also be accepted. Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization that distributes food to more than 300 charitable programs in 16 southern Wisconsin counties. Cyclocross racers are encouraged to bring a donation to help those in need at this crucial time leading up to the holidays.

It's back! THE Cycling Social Event: Brazen Dropouts Bike Swap

November 8, 2006

Not been to the famous Bike Swap?? Mark you calendars now for January 13th at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI. The Brazen Dropouts Bicycle Racing Team runs the Cronometro Bike Swap, which has evolved into one of the largest cycling related swap meets in the country. It's a fun event where you can buy and sell all sorts of bike stuff.

The "Swap" is also a great place to bump into friends and fellow cyclists.

The box of parts in your basement, the wheelset in your garage or that old bike collecting dust... rent a table, bring them to the Bike Swap and sell them. Bikes, bike clothing, parts, accessories and much more can be found and are sold at the Bike Swap.

Head on over to www.brazendropouts.org and click on Bike Swap 2007 for a Frequently Asked Questions section and printable registration forms too.

See you at the 16th annual Cronometro Bike Swap on Saturday, January 13th, 2007.

Ever Wonder How Races are Scored?

November 2, 2006

WCA Cross races have experienced tremendous growth. As is the case, WCA has taken steps to add more officials to accommodate the influx of riders. In the meantime, riders can help themselves by understanding the scoring process. The scoring is a process and riders can help by knowing the process. Here goes:

1) At the end of the race, the judges review their scoring notes and post a copy of the results for rider review. This can take half an hour or more if there are many riders on different laps.

2) The riders have 15 minutes to review the results and take any complaints or questions to the chief judge

3) The chief judge checks and rules on all protests. If needed, a new copy of results may be produced. This takes....as long as it takes.

4) Only when all protests have been answered are the results final. If you check the initial posting and go away, it is entirely possible that those results will change before they are final
5) WCAs Technical director does not make any changes to the results after race day. She relies on what the judges have given her.

WCA strives for 100% accurate results. We've been challenged this year by a huge increase in the number of competitors, and will have additional officials on hand for the balance of the series. Still, riders can help themselves by knowing the process.

USCF Licenses on Sale Soon; TIPS for a SMOOTH Renewal…

October 25, 2006

2007 Memberships/Licenses go on sale Wednesday, November 1. Mike Hanley, our regional coordinator noted that often, riders renew their license before their club renews its license, or a rider renews and then receives an upgrade a short time later. What happens in these cases is the rider has to request a new license (to reflect an upgrade) or their license comes back “unattached” if their club hasn’t renewed yet.

Mike’s Crazy-But-Brilliant-Idea; How about if WCA clubs renew their club membership BEFORE their riders renew their racing license? At the same time riders wishing to upgrade contact Heidi Mingesz (wcatech@earthlink.net) BEFORE they renew their license? This could save a lot of time and hassle later.

Thanks, Mike, for the good idea.

WCA Dinner UPDATE: Nick Reistad Featured Speaker

October 25, 2006

Our very own, Wisconsin grown kid now riding for the Jelly Belly squad is on deck to speak at the WCA Awards dinner on November 11. Tickets on sale now and remember, no sales day of (sorry—we have to put in a count for food three days early).

Many of us remember Nick when he was the skinny UW rider. Now he’s a skinny JB rider and has plenty of insight to share with us all after a year on the team. He’s bringing schwag along with a team video. See you on the 11th.

Wisconsin Cycling Hall of Famer Dies

October 19, 2006

ROBERT PFARR (1920)
MODERN 1945 – 1975 COMPETITOR
Class 2006

Born in Kenosha, WI. Pfarr started racing 1935 and won the Wisconsin Junior State Championship and was Wisconsin State Senior Champion for 20 years. He was a member of the 1951 Pan American Games and a member of the American Good Will Team that race in Japan 1951. Member of the 1959 Pan American Games with a Gold medal in the 4000M Team Pursuit. Member of the 1960 Olympic Team. National Senior ABL of A Champion 1950. 1960 Caribbean Games Guiana Winner Mayor's Cup. Masters 55+ National USCF Track Champion in 1983 and 1984. Has raced for 60 years. Co-founder of the Kenosha Wheelmen Club in 1945 and was their president for 40 years. Lives in Kenosha, WI.

http://www.usbhof.com/inductees/

Obituary:

Robert M. Pfarr
1920 - 2006
Robert M. Pfarr, 86, of Kenosha, died Sunday, October 15, 2006, at Brookside Care Center. He was born on July 24, 1920, in Kenosha, the son of the late Gerard and Lucille (Kleist) Pfarr. He was educated in the schools of Kenosha and he married Marilyne Carlsen on April 17, 1944, in California. He served his country during WWII in the U.S. Army. He co-owned and operated Pfarr's Service Station in Kenosha for 50 years. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. He loved Biking and was an Olympic Bike Rider, and was inducted to the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame on October 7, 2006. He was also a member of the Kenosha Wheelman. He competitively raced from age 15 until he was nearly 70 years old. He is survived by his two sons, Robert (Joan) Pfarr of Florida, and Gary Pfarr of Kenosha; two daughters, Sheri (Tom) Holmgren of Somers and Sandy Stoner of Ogden, Utah; two brothers, Ralph (Bun) Pfarr of Kenosha and Earl (Rena) Pfarr of Racine; seven grandchldren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Marilyne on October 8, 2005, and two brothers, George and Jerry Pfarr. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, October 18, 2006, from St. Elizabeth Catholic Church at 10 a.m. with burial to follow at St. George Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, October 17, 2006, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kenosha Funeral Services. Kenosha Funeral Services 8226 Sheridan Road Kenosha, WI 53143 (262) 652-1943.

http://www.kenoshanews.com/obituaries/

Mingesz, Anderson Represent WCA at USAC Conference

October 19, 2006

While you all were out racing cross in the lovely, 60 degree weather, Heidi Mingesz, WCA’s Technical Director, and Rebecca Anderson, President, attended a two day USAC “Local Association” conference in Colorado Springs on October 14, and 15. The purpose of the conference is for the state reps to learn about USAC programs. These notes capture the information presented the topics are preceded by a heading so feel free to browse through and read what interests you.

For those of you newer to WCA, the relationship of WCA to USAC is this: WCA is considered a “Local Association” (or, LA for short). The LA is under contractual agreement with USAC to perform certain tasks such as overseeing rider upgrades, training and assigning officials and providing technical support to race organizers. In exchange for providing these services on behalf of USAC, WCA receives a portion of every USCF license sold in Wisconsin. That means that $10 of your USCF license is returned to WCA and in turn, WCA plows these funds into the WCA race series, technical director, and website.

We’d like to thank the Brazen Dropouts for their travel grant that allowed WCA to send two delegates to the conference.

DAY I – USAC “Local Association” Conference 2006

In this session we learned about partnerships that USAC formed with businesses to offer riders and race organizers discounts. (The corporate term is “affinity partners.”) Most riders are familiar with the United Airlines bike voucher program but here are a few other offers you may want to know:

Adventure Advocates/Assurant Health
Racing without health care? Assurant Health tackled the problem and came up with a 24 hour accident, medical expense plan that any member of USAC can buy. With this protection the rider is covered for accident related injuries incurred at any time (thus, the term “24 hours”) for $25/month with a $100 deductible. If a rider also has a major medical plan (such as an HMO or a high deductible, major medical plan) the Assurant Health program will co ver the rider for all medical fees (minus the deductible) for accidents incurred up until the major medical kicks in. Note: this coverage is accident coverage and does not cover general health check ups like an HMO. For info: adventureadvocates.com/usacycling or call 800-211-9002.

On Line Registration
It’s here, it’s better than ever, and anyone not using it is wasting time.
Sports Base Online presented on what (in this writer’s opinion) is the best on line registration service in the business. Dirk Cowley has created a user friendly, fast, customizable on line registration system that can make the registration process 85% efficient. For about $1.70 a rider, clubs can have their on line registration set up to look like their own webpage, riders can register on line up to minutes before the event (if you want that) and the funds transfer is lightening fast. SBO will even front up to 80% of your entry fees days before your event if you need the money for payout. Why wouldn’t an organizer use it? WCA provide more information about on line registration at the annual meeting in January. For info: www.sportsbaseonline.com

Zaavy Banners & Signs
Wouldn’t it be great if we all could afford to have cool banners made for our sponsors? Who has time for that? Zaavy has made it easy for even non-artistic to create large format banners and signs. Zaavy is offering a 10% discount to USAC members. Info: www.zaavy.com or service@zaavy.com.

Liberty Mutual
Yup, there was an insurance company pitching their wares. I wonder if the data shows that cyclists are low risk drivers? Libery offers policies to cover you, your home, your bikes, and your autos. According to the sales dude liberty offers average savings per member of $200 - $350/year. Every policy gives a percentage back to USAC. Contact Liberty for comparison rates: 800-624-7293x217.

XP Apparel
On line apparel store that has the license to produce USAC apparel. When the mood strikes and you just have to have a USAC Olympic Cycling hat or t-shirt, go to usacycling.org and find the link to XP apparel. The store is slated to launch on the USAC website on November 1.

Communications & Sponsorship – Andy Lee
Lee is the Director of Communications & Sponsorship for USAC. Key points of his presentation: USAC is redesigning its website and the new site will be functional on November 1.

Junior Cycling Camps
Pat McDonough, USAC Director of Athletics presented information on USAC junior camps and how to access qualifying events. Are you a junior (male or female) or parent looking to demystify how to advance up the “olympic pipeline?” Basically, USAC offers regional camps AND a race series called LAJORS (Lance Armstrong Junior Olympic Race series). The Regional camps are fee based, open to any rider. Young riders learn skills, tactics, nutrition, proper etiquette, riding in traffic (important for kids who aren’t driving yet to learn traffic rules) and mechanical repairs. Camps are staffed by certified coaches and riders are accompanied by the coaches on the training rides. Again, any junior can go to a regional camp. The fee is approx. $650 to attend the camp.

The LAJORs series is a points series where riders earn qualifying points to attend the US Olympic talent camps. To sum this up, a young rider who wants to improve their skills can attend a camp, and more advanced juniors can strive to earn points to qualify (i.e., earn a trip to) an Olympic talent camp. There are scholarships available.

Riders who attend regional camps and perform well in the LAJORs series may be selected for a national road camp, held each August in Colorado Springs. From there, athletes are identified for the national team and some of those are invited to race in Europe. Coaches and club presidents may nominate riders and riders may petition to take part in a camp if the racing in their area is underdeveloped. So clearly, there is a dedicated pathway for youth to pursue if they have designs on racing in the Tour one day.

For info: usacycling.org or contact wcatech@earthlink.net. Wisconsin has several very active junior teams and the support for junior riding has been strong. If you or your kid wants to learn, we can steer you in the right direction.

Nor Cal High School Mountain Bike League
This presentation by League founder, Matt Fritzinger was fascinating. Matt started the league in 2000 with a small group of riders and grew it into a 20 team, cross school league with 800 high school competitors and a solid infrastructure of staff, coaches and a dedicated board of directors. The number of girls riding since the league’s inception has increased dramatically. The League’s mission is to teach kids to ride safely, respectfully, and to build their self-confidence and esteem. Matt’s drive to serve the mission shows in the growth and respect the League has attained. His request to the Local association reps present in the room was to:
- encourage local associations to form high school teams
- encourage masters riders to take time off of racing to ride with kids
- provide suitable venues/courses for juniors (mountain biking is an excellent entry into cycling for youth; it’s safer to learn rules of the road, falls have a softer landing and off road better matches the attention span of a young person)
- allow the kids to have the course to themselves
- work with promoters to establish high school race categories (JV and Varsity)
- Find someone to found a local league!

For more information on the NorCal League, go to www.norcalmtnbike.org and join the norcal enews to get ideas. WCA board will form an exploration committee to see if there is interest in launching a league in WI. Interested in being part of the development team? Contact board@wicycling.org.

DAY 2

Member Services
Day 2 started with a presentation from USAC on member services. The reps from other state associations had some good ideas on how to communicate with their members. List serves seemed to be popular. Minnesota launched a campaign to welcome new riders to racing. They created a poster that is distributed to bike shops around the state. The MN website was on the poster and if an interested party went to the website, there was a matching banner ad with information on how to get started racing. WCA will explore some options to make its website more welcoming to new riders.

New Initiatives at the National Level & NRC Developments
Justin Rogers gave an update on the development of the national event calendar. A new initiative is the ‘Professional Tour” is a new series in America. The series is a sub set of NRC events that have UCI status. The distinguishing feature of the Pro Cycling Tour is its UCI status and is designed to improve international competition and produce a domestic UCI champion. The series will be 15 events in 10 states. The NRC will continue to be 30-40 races as always with a goal of producing a top domestic race calendar for elite and elite amateur teams. New races will be considered for NRC as the 15 UCI events are no longer on the NRC calendar.

The NRC bids are currently available to race organizers wishing to apply for an NRC event status. Applications are due by October 23 however so if races want to be considered for NRC contact Justin Rogers at jrogers@usacycling.org.

The bid process for National Events is underway; current bids are out for Masters, Junior and Collegiate track nationals, Collegiate Mountain Bike Nationals and of course NRC road events (as previously mentioned).

There was some discussion about the Seven Springs Nationals Course; USAC has heard the concerns of the riders and has taken the feedback seriously. Justin is working now to select better courses for 07.

Other discussion followed about women’s racing; several Local Assocaition reps made suggestions to USAC on how to better serve women riders, including a very good suggestion that for races to be considered part of the NRC calendar, their prize payout for men and women would need to be equal or reasonably equalized (to take into account the generally-but not always—smaller women’s fields).

USAC Insurance Programs
Todd Sowl, VP Finance for USAC presented on the USAC event insurance. Costs and insurance structure will remain the same in 2007 ($2/rider/p event). Camps, Clinics and other non-competitive events still require riders to be licensed (year or one day) and fun rides and tours can be insured for $1.50/day and those do not require a license.

Local Association Governance
Todd Sowl reviewed the LA contract for 2007. If you read the very first paragraph of this web story, you’ll remember that WCA contracts with USAC to handle certain tasks. The contract for 2007 will be similar to 2006; we anticipate only minor changes.

Presentation from Steve Johnson, USAC CEO
This presentation showed that Johnson has a good grasp of the sport and its challenges and successes. He is striving to include the LAs in future program development. The LA program is still young and USAC is learning how it can use the LA input to the benefit of all concerned.

Respectufully submitted,
Rebecca Anderson
President
Rebecca@tds.net

The Wisconsin Cycling Association is proud to announce Planet Bike as the Title Sponsor of the 10th Annual W.C.A. Cyclocross Race Series

September 21, 2006

Cyclocross: A type of bicycle race combining cycling and running to form a high paced spectator treat, as cyclists hop obstacles and dismount and remount their bikes – all with the goal of crossing the finish line first.

The Wisconsin Cycling Association is proud to announce Planet Bike as the Title Sponsor of the 10 th Annual W.C.A. Cyclocross Race Series. Also celebrating their 10th anniversary, Planet Bike is excited to help the already popular series to become even bigger and better. As an added treat you can cheer on the racers at the "Planet Bike Party Tent and Pump Pit," which will be set up at all 8 races this fall. To learn more about Planet Bike, click on www.planetbike.com.

The Wisconsin Cycling Association is VERY pleased to offer an 'Overall Series Points Prize List' of $2,000 in cash & terrific prizes from Planet Bike, distributed amongst all categories. Additionally, the Overall Series Points Leader from each category will earn a W.C.A. Cyclocross Points Leader's Jersey. Plus, the Category 1&2 Men AND Women's Series Points Leaders are each racing for a pair of Bontrager Race X-Lite Aero Wheelsets, worth $750+/pair. Click on www.bontrager.com, for all their products.

The Series, which regularly draws racers from Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota , as well as Wisconsin, will kick off on Sunday, October 1st, at Badger Prairie Park in Verona. Other race locations are Lapham Peak State Park, in Delafield, UW-Whitewater Campus, Cam-Rock Park in Cambridge, Washington & Estabrook Parks in Milwaukee and Gibbs Lake County Park near Janesville. The series will conclude on November 19th with the Wisconsin State Cyclocross Championships to be held again at the Angell Park Speedway, in Sun Prairie.

For the Planet Bike–W.C.A. cyclocross race series schedule, all categories, the overall series points prize list, race results and series points totals; go to the Cyclocross section of the W.C.A. website, www.wicycling.org. For questions about the Series, contact Jerry Pearce at 414.961.1110 (jpearce @ rainbowjersey.com), or John Ericsson at 608.438.6707 (jpebikes @ gmail.com).

WCA Clubs Welcome New Riders

January 29, 2006

Five WCA clubs have rolled out the welcome mat to new riders. If you’d like to learn more about racing try these clubs.
One Percent More (Milwaukee):Brad Pearson, membership@teambeansandbarley.com
Endeavour (Milwaukee): Randy Roth/Randy@endevinc.com
Hampshire (Milwaukee): Jerry Pearce/Pearce@execpc.com
Brazen Dropouts (Madison): ssilver@chorus.net
Atkins Citizen Racing Club (Madison): Doug Bach/doug.muriel@charter.net

Williams Wheels Looking to Fill Void

November 21, 2006

Williams Wheels Looking to Fill Void

While at Interbike, this WCA editor found the spirit of entrepreneurship alive and well. Williams Wheels is an upstart, on-line distributor of high quality wheels at direct prices. We thought WCA riders—especially those realizing that quality, light wheels are critical to success, might want to know about Williams so we chatted with owner, Keith Williams about his company and why his wheels are catching on with riders across America.

Q: Williams is a custom wheel builder that sells direct to customers via the internet?
A: Yes. We are a direct-to-consumer cycling wheel manufacturer. Our business model is relatively unique for the cycling industry. Currently, the industry is retail-driven; therefore, consumers have been subject to the traditional distribution model and have not been able to benefit from the manufacturer-direct method.
In addition to the direct distribution channel which eliminates confusion and costs, our business model centers on the following key aspects: design (light, durable, easy to service wheel systems); technology (embrace the latest, proven materials); and, price (price point that is 40% - 50% lower than what the customer would pay for the comparable wheel system using the traditional distribution model).

Q: Why did you start this company?
A: In August 2005, I developed a heart condition which ended my competitive racing; however, what ends one avenue opens the door to another. I realized that you only get one shot at life and it is important to focus on your passions. At the same time, my years of racing and training provided me with a clear understanding of what I believe to be the need for affordable, high performance wheel systems. I’ve had my share of crashes and each time I found myself crying not from my physical injuries, but from having to replace expensive components.

Q: What is your background in cycling and how did you move into wheel building?
A: I became a cycling enthusiast while in college and rode leisurely for 10 years. In 1998, I began racing competitively. While I no longer race, I ride regularly with my local club and continue to enjoy cycling races as a spectator with my family. Additionally, I am involved with many teams across the county as a sponsor.
During my racing and training years, I was fortunate to ride on various wheel systems. It is my opinion, that wheel systems are the most important component of a bicycle. They create aerodynamic drag, effect acceleration and have a significant overall impact on a rider’s performance. My solution is to build an easy to service, high performance wheels at an affordable price. The only way to offer this type of quality is to remove a couple layers of markup and go direct to the customer.

Q: What kind of feedback have you gotten from your customers?
A: I think most riders understand my business model, and support the idea of redefining value in the cycling industry.

Q: What is your top selling wheel and why?
A: The most popular wheel systems are the 30 and 30x models. These two models appeal to the broadest markets; therefore, have sold the most units. The 19’s are selling well, given that they appeal to the climber looking for a low rotational weight/quick accelerating wheel system.

Q: What wheel innovations do you see in the future?
There are some exiting things happening in the innovation arena.

• Rims: You will see new alloy blends that will increase strength and reduce weight. You will see great quality all-carbon clinchers soon, as designs are improving. I think we are still a little early for magnesium, but this technology is coming.
• Spokes: As for stainless steel, you will see a variety of butted spokes (rounded or bladed) with strategically reinforced areas that offer lower weight and higher breaking strength.
• Hubs: Lots of changes in this arena. Obviously, weights are coming down as designs are improving. Look for all road hubs to offer interchangeable freehubs, which will allow all drive trains to be compatible with any wheel system. Look for increased pawl designs from the standard of two or three pawls to six pawls. This offers less play and immediate engagement when pedaling forward. Last, but not least, ceramic bearings will become more popular as riders try to squeeze any advantage they can out of wheels performance.

Research and development is constant at Williams Cycling and you will see us bringing many new tested and cutting-edge products to market when warranted.

Last days to sign up for WCA Dinner

November 2, 2006

If you haven't downloaded your form and mailed it but intend on attending, do it right away!! No sales at the door, sorry.

Btw, this is also President Rebecca Anderson's birthday. No gifts required. (Unless you are dying to bring me some red wine). Thanks, everyone, for allowing me to lead this great organization. Wisconsin has the best riders and the dinner is WCA's chance to celebrate all our successes and remember our fallen rider, Aaron Bieberitz. It was a good year, and having spent time traveling the country and learning about other state organizations, I am proud to say that Wisconsin's program is one of the best, and the WCA board is aiming to make it better yet in 07. See you on the 11th.

WCA Dinner--and Carrot Cake--Is Back November 11

October 9, 2006

We already told you to save the date so now you can send in the attached form and reserve your spot at the
Annual WCA Awards Dinner on Saturday, November 11. The 200 or so of you who have attended each year the last few years know about the carrot cake made by WCA's Treasurer, Amy Miller. Most of us go to the dinner for the cake and schwag, others go for the awards and beer. Me? I go just to see what everyone looks like in their street clothes.

Since Amy was slammed with school, work and other obligations this fall, two WCA riders have stepped in to try and fill the baker's shoes. Kristin Wentworth (IS Corp) and Rebecca Anderson (Dairyland) have agreed to step up to the plate and each will make one sheet cake for dessert. Since Dairyland and IS Corp riders are always duking it out in the races, this cake bake-off will have a competitive feature. The Contest? Bake one sheet cake, carrot, cream cheese frosting. Riders can vote for their favorite with winner getting bragging rites.

Seats are limited and for some reason (the cake) we always fill the lovely Milwaukee Athletic Club. Thanks to Larry Kilduff for hosting the night. Click here to download the sign up form. Please reserve by November 5.

SAVE THE DATE: WCA Annual Dinner

September 21, 2006

SAVE THE DATE: WCA Annual Dinner: November 11, Milwaukee Athletic Club. This casually elegant evening is where we crown the WCA champions and make merry. More news to follow, but please save the date. Seating is limited and the event always fills. Plenty of schwag from our wonderful WCA supporters and prizes for traveling the furthest, best attire, and if the spirit moves us, the best off season facial hair.

2006 WCA Finale

September 21, 2006

The last WCA race with points--the Endeavour Dairyland Fall Classic--was also the final race of the Endeavour Triple Crown. The series offered top prize money to riders who could place in the top three in all three events, including one superweek event. On September 10 only two riders were in contention for the Triple Crown prize: Chris Mantel (Trocodero) and Kristin Wentworth (IS Corp). In the end, both triumphed with Mantel winning the cat 3 race and Wentworth holding on for 3rd in the women's event to preserve her placing for the Triple Crown prize. Congratulations to both!

The Endeavour race had meaning in some other categories as well. In the mens 1,2 category only 5 points seperated David Kay (GDVC) and Jordan Roessingh (IS Corp) so the race outcome would determine who would eat cereal out of the giant silver Wisconsin Cup Trophy. With a vantage point of the first corner, this race fan was cheering for both Kay and Roessingh. There were numerous breaks followed by an equal number of chasers and all the usual suspects were in on the action. Steve Scholzen and Casey McCauley worked hard for IS Corp and Bill Baudhin, Jason Landretti and Paul Nilsen threw down for their mate in the blue and orange. The battle was intense, with both teams answering the attacks of the other in a battle of will on a day that looked more like a spring classic than a fall event. In the end, the decision went to David Kay who finished two spots ahead of Roessigh. It was an outstanding race and congratulations to both Kay and Roessingh and their teams for animating the race so well.